Pokémon and Van Gogh: Partnership celebrates 50 years of museum!

The event opens today, on September 28, 2023, and will run until January 7, 2024. It is debuting at the Van Gogh Museum in partnership with The Pokémon Company, where visitors will have the opportunity to witness activities related to both brands and view reinterpretations of the painter's classic works featuring several iconic Pokémon.

Emilie Gordenker, general director of the museum, declared that this union will allow new generations to learn about the painter's life and art.

Rereadings

Several Pokémon were drawn following Van Gogh's artistic style.

Among them, we can list the following paintings: 'The Room' (1888), 'Van Gogh's Self-Portrait' (1887), and 'Sunflowers' (1889). In total, six paintings were recreated by artists from The Pokémon Company.

All these works are displayed on the first floor of the Rietveld building (Rietveldgebouw).

Activities

The museum, In collaboration with The Pokémon Company, the museum has developed several special experiences to delight visitors of all age groups attending the exhibition.

Using a Pokémon Adventure leaflet, visitors can be guided through the works of Vincent van Gogh, which served as a reference for the six paintings created by The Pokémon Company, thereby discovering the stories behind these works.

At the end of the experience and handing in the completed leaflet, visitors will be able to redeem a special promotional card Pikachu x Van Gogh Museum.

Van Gogh and Japan

Vincent's admiration for Japanese arts was influenced by factors such as Japanese engravings, flat surfaces with strong colors, everyday themes, and attention to detail. Through this event, the museum and The Pokémon Company aim to educate students about the connection between Vincent and Japan.

Exclusive line

The Van Gogh Museum will have an exclusive line of Pokémon merchandise during the collaboration, to highlight the works created for the event.

At the exhibition, visitors will be taught and encouraged to draw Pikachu on their own. Did you feel inspired by the works to draw or paint your own Pokémon pictures? Don't forget that the Pokémon Illustration Contest 2024 is happening - learn how to participate here!